U.S. patent number 7,710,397 [Application Number 11/144,345] was granted by the patent office on 2010-05-04 for mouse with improved input mechanisms using touch sensors.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Sean Corbin, Jeffrey B. Doar, Christoph H. Krah, Wing Kong Low, Shin Nishibori.
United States Patent |
7,710,397 |
Krah , et al. |
May 4, 2010 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Mouse with improved input mechanisms using touch sensors
Abstract
A mouse having improved input methods and mechanisms is
disclosed. The mouse is configured with touch sensing areas capable
of generating input signals. The touch sensing areas may for
example be used to differentiate between left and right clicks in a
single button mouse. The mouse may further be configured with force
sensing areas capable of generating input signals. The force
sensing areas may for example be positioned on the sides of the
mouse so that squeezing the mouse generates input signals. The
mouse may further be configured with a jog ball capable of
generating input signals. The mouse may additionally be configured
with a speaker for providing audio feedback when the various input
devices are activated by a user.
Inventors: |
Krah; Christoph H. (San Jose,
CA), Doar; Jeffrey B. (Fremont, CA), Corbin; Sean
(Menlo Park, CA), Nishibori; Shin (San Francisco, CA),
Low; Wing Kong (Cupertino, CA) |
Assignee: |
Apple Inc. (Cupertino,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
36928437 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/144,345 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20060274042 A1 |
Dec 7, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/03543 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/033 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/156,163-166,173 |
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|
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Chanh
Assistant Examiner: Walthall; Allison
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Morrison & Foerster LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mouse, comprising: a housing including a unibody top member
covering substantially all of a top surface of the mouse and a
bottom member, the unibody top member configured to pivot relative
to the bottom member to provide a clicking action; and an internal
switch configured to generate an activation signal by the clicking
action of the unibody top member, wherein the mouse further
comprises; a first touch zone and a second touch zone provided on
the surface of the unibody top member; a first touch sensor located
underneath the surface of the top member in a region of the first
touch zone, the first sensor configured to generate a first touch
signal if the top member is touched in the first touch zone; a
second touch sensor located underneath the surface of the top
member in a region of the second touch zone, the second sensor
configured to generate a second touch signal if the top member is
touched in the second touch zone; and a control circuit configured
to report a first input event if the activation signal and the
first touch signal are generated without the second touch signal,
to report a second input event if the activation signal and the
second touch signal are generated without the first touch signal,
to ignore the first touch signal if the first touch signal is
generated without the activation signal, and to ignore the second
touch signal if the second touch signal is generated without the
activation signal.
2. The mouse as recited in claim 1, further comprising; third touch
zones provided with a minimal amount of flex; and force sensors
located underneath the housing in the region of the third touch
zones, forces exerted on the third touch zones being distributed to
a force sensor.
3. The mouse as recited in claim 1, wherein the control circuit is
further configured to ignore the first touch signal and the second
touch signal if the first touch signal and the second touch signal
are simultaneously generated without the activation signal.
4. The mouse as recited in claim 1, wherein the mouse is
configurable to operate either as a single button mouse or a
multiple button mouse.
5. The mouse as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an
electronically controlled feedback system configured to provide
feedback to the user of the mouse so that the user is able to
positively confirm that an action has resulted in an actual
activation of one or more input mechanisms of the mouse.
6. The mouse as recited in claim 5 wherein the feedback system
includes at least one of: an audio feedback generator; a haptics
mechanism configured to output a vibration when a user performs an
action with at least one of the input mechanisms; or a visual
feedback generator configured to output visual stimuli at the mouse
when a user performs an action with at least one of the input
mechanisms.
7. A mouse, comprising: a housing including a unibody top member
covering substantially all of a top surface of the mouse and a
bottom member, the unibody top member configured to pivot relative
to the bottom member to provide a clicking action, the bottom
member includes a first wing and a second wing positioned at a
first side and a second side of the housing, respectively, the
first and second wings extending from a base of the bottom member
into the top member, the top member including a first recess in the
first side and a second recess in the second side so as to receive
the first wing and the second wing respectively; and an internal
switch configured to generate an activation signal by the clicking
action of the unibody top member, wherein the mouse further
comprises: a first force sensor located behind the first wing, the
first force sensor generating a first force signal when increased
pressure is exerted on the first wing; a second force sensor
located behind the second wing, the second force sensor generating
a second force signal when increased pressure is exerted on the
second wing; a first touch zone and a second touch zone provided on
the surface of the unibody top member; a first touch sensor located
underneath the surface of the top member in a region of the first
touch zone, the first sensor configured to generate a first touch
signal if the top member is touched in the first touch zone; a
second touch sensor located underneath the surface of the top
member in a region of the second touch zone, the second sensor
configured to generate a second touch signal if the top member is
touched in the second touch zone; and a control circuit configured
to generate a control signal if the first and second force signals
indicate a squeeze gesture having a force above a threshold, the
control signal controlling operation of a computer program, to
report a first input event if the activation signal and the first
touch signal are generated without the second touch signal, to
report a second input event if the activation signal and the second
touch signal are generated without the first touch signal, to
ignore the first touch signal if the first touch signal is
generated without the activation signal, and to ignore the second
touch signal if the second touch signal is generated without the
activation signal.
8. The mouse as recited in claim 7, wherein the first and second
force sensors are force sensitive capacitors, the force sensitive
capacitor being located between the wings and a bridge located
within the mouse.
9. The mouse as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a jog ball
device positioned at a surface of the top member, the jog ball
device including: a magnetic configured ball capable of rotating in
multiple directions, the ball having a diameter that is less than
10 mm; a sealed housing provided in the top member, configured to
receive the magnetic configured ball; and a hall integrated circuit
configured to generate direction signals indicating directions in
accordance with rotation of the magnetic configured ball; and a
position sensing device configured to generate tracking signals
when the mouse is moved along a surface, wherein the control
circuit is further configured to monitor the activation signal, the
first and second touch signal, the first and second force signals,
the direction signals, and the tracking signal, and to report
tracking and multiple input events based at least in part on the
activation signal, the first and second touch signal, the first and
second force signals, the direction signals, and the tracking
signal solely or in combination with one another.
10. The mouse as recited in claim 7, further comprising: an
electronically controlled feedback system configured to provide
feedback to the user of the mouse so that the user is able to
positively confirm that an action has resulted in an actual
activation of one or more input mechanisms of the mouse.
11. The mouse as recited in claim 10 wherein the feedback system
includes at least one of: an audio feedback generator; a haptics
mechanism configured to output a vibration when a user performs an
action with at least one of the input mechanisms; or a visual
feedback generator configured to output visual stimuli at the mouse
when a user performs an action with at least one of the input
mechanisms.
12. A mouse, comprising: a housing including a unibody top member
covering substantially all of a top surface of the mouse and a
bottom member, the unibody top member configured to pivot relative
to the bottom member to provide a clicking action; an internal
switch configured to generate an activation signal by the clicking
action of the unibody top member; and a jog ball device positioned
at a surface of the top member, wherein the jog ball device
includes: a magnetic configured ball capable of rotating in
multiple directions, the ball having a diameter that is less than
10 mm; a sealed housing provided in the top member, configured to
receive the magnetic configured ball; and a hall integrated circuit
configured to generate direction signals indicating directions in
accordance with rotation of the magnetic configured ball, and
wherein the mouse further comprises: a first touch zone and a
second touch zone provided on the surface of the unibody top
member; a first touch sensor located underneath the surface of the
top member in a region of the first touch zone, the first sensor
configured to generate a first touch signal if the top member is
touched in the first touch zone; a second touch sensor located
underneath the surface of the top member in a region of the second
touch zone, the second sensor configured to generate a second touch
signal if the top member is touched in the second touch zone; and a
control circuit configured to generate a control signal based on
the activation signal and the direction signals, to report a first
input event if the activation signal and the first touch signal are
generated without the second touch signal, to report a second input
event if the activation signal and the second touch signal are
generated without the first touch signal, to ignore the first touch
signal if the first touch signal is generated without the
activation signal, and to ignore the second touch signal if the
second touch signal is generated without the activation signal.
13. The mouse as recited in claim 12, wherein the jog ball device
further includes: a ball switch that generates a ball activation
signal when the ball is pushed down inside the sealed housing,
wherein the control circuit is further configured to generate an
input event signal if the internal switch and the ball switch both
generate the activation signal and the ball activation signal,
respectively.
14. The mouse as recited in claim 13, wherein the magnetic
configured ball has a diameter between about 5 mm and about 8
mm.
15. The mouse as recited in claim 12, wherein the control circuit
generates a third input event signal if the ball is moved to a
first direction, and a fourth input event signal if the ball is
moved to the second direction.
16. The mouse as recited in claim 12, wherein horizontal scrolling
performed when the ball is spun horizontally and wherein vertical
scrolling is performed when the ball is spun vertically.
17. A method for operating a mouse to control a user interface
having a display screen, the mouse comprising: a housing including
a unibody top member covering substantially all of a top surface of
the mouse and a bottom member, the unibody top member configured to
pivot relative to the bottom member to provide a clicking action,
the top member including a first force sensitive portion on a first
side, and a second force sensitive portion on a second side; an
internal switch configured to generate an activation signal by the
clicking action of the unibody top member; a first force sensor
located behind the first force sensitive portion, the first force
sensor generating a first force signal when increased pressure is
exerted on the first force sensitive portion; a second force sensor
located behind the second force sensitive portion, the second force
sensor generating a second force signal when increased pressure is
exerted on the second force sensitive portion; a first touch zone
and a second touch zone provided on the surface of the unibody top
member; a first touch sensor located underneath the surface of the
top member in a region of the first touch zone, the first sensor
configured to generate a first touch signal if the top member is
touched in the first touch zone; and a second touch sensor located
underneath the surface of the top member in a region of the second
touch zone, the second sensor configured to generate a second touch
signal if the top member is touched in the second touch zone; the
method comprising: monitoring the first and the second force
signals; determining if a squeeze gesture above a threshold force
occurred, based on the first and second force signals; generating a
control signal if the squeeze gesture has occurred, the control
signal controlling operation of a computer program on the display
screen; reporting a first input event if the activation signal and
the first touch signal are generated without the second touch
signal; reporting a second input event if the activation signal and
the second touch signal are generated without the first touch
signal, ignoring the first touch signal if the first touch signal
is generated without the activation signal; and ignoring the second
touch signal if the second touch signal is generated without the
activation signal.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the operation includes at least
one of: tiling and scaling down all open windows in the display
screen; tiling and scaling down open windows associated with a
particular application program in the display screen; or moving all
open windows to the edges of the display screen.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the control signal controlling
an operation of a window management program based on an amount of
pressure detected from the first and second force signals.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: determining whether
the mouse has been lifted off a surface; if the mouse has not been
lifted off the surface, determining if a first force threshold has
been exceeded based on the first and second force signals, and
reporting an input event signal when the force is above the first
force threshold; and if the mouse has been lifted off the surface,
determining if a second force threshold has been exceeded based on
the first and second force signals, and reporting an input event
signal when the force is above the second force threshold.
21. A method for operating a mouse, the mouse comprising: a housing
including a unibody top member covering substantially all of a top
surface of the mouse and a bottom member, the unibody top member
configured to pivot relative to the bottom member to provide a
clicking action; an internal switch configured to generate an
activation signal by the clicking action of the unibody top member;
a first touch zone and a second touch zone provided on the surface
of the unibody top member; a first touch sensor associated with the
first touch zone and configured to generate a first touch signal if
the top member is touched in the first touch zone; and a second
touch sensor associated with the second touch zone, and configured
to generate a second touch signal if the top member is touched in
the second touch zone, the method comprising: monitoring the first
and second touch sensors; monitoring the internal switch; reporting
a first input event if the activation signal and the first touch
signal are generated without the second touch signal; reporting a
second input event if the activation signal and the second touch
signal are generated without the first touch signal; ignoring the
first touch signal if the first touch signal is generated without
the activation signal; and ignoring the second touch signal if the
second touch signal is generated without the activation signal.
22. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising: ignoring
the first touch signal and the second touch signal if the first
touch signal and the second touch signal are simultaneously
generated without the activation signal.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to the following applications, which
are all herein incorporated by reference:
U.S. Pat. No.: 6,373,470, titled, "CURSOR CONTROL DEVICE HAVING AN
INTEGRAL TOP MEMBER," issued Apr. 16, 2002;
U.S. patent application Ser. No.: 10/209,537, titled "MULTI-BUTTON
MOUSE," filed on Jul. 30, 2002;
U.S. patent application Ser. No.: 10/060,712, titled "CURSOR
CONTROL DEVICE HAVING AN INTEGRAL TOP MEMBER," filed on Jan. 29,
2002;
U.S. patent application Ser. No.: 10/072,765, titled "MOUSE HAVING
A ROTARY DIAL," filed on Feb. 7, 2002;
U.S. patent application Ser. No.: 10/238,380, titled "MOUSE HAVING
AN OPTICALLY-BASED SCROLLING FEATURE," filed on Sep. 9, 2002;
U.S. patent application Ser. No.: 10/157,343, titled "MOUSE HAVING
A BUTTON-LESS PANNING AND SCROLLING SWITCH," filed on May 28, 2002;
and
U.S. patent application Ser. No.: 10/654,108, titled "AMBIDEXTROUS
MOUSE," filed on Sep. 2, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to mice. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a mouse including improved input
mechanisms.
2. Description of the Related Art
Most computer systems, as for example general purpose computers
such as portable computers and desktop computers, receive input
from a user via an input device such as a mouse. As is generally
well known, the mouse allows a user to move an input pointer and to
make selections in a graphical user interface (GUI). The mouse
generally includes a trackball, which is located on the underside
of the mouse and which rolls when the mouse moves thus translating
the motion of the users hand into signals that the computer system
can use. The movement of the trackball generally corresponds to the
movement of the input pointer in the GUI. That is, by positioning
the mouse on a desktop and moving it thereon, the user can move the
input pointer in similar directions in the GUI. An optical sensor
may alternatively used to track the movement of the mouse.
Conventional mice also include one or two mechanical buttons for
data selection and command execution. The mechanical buttons are
disposed near the top front portion of the mouse where they are
easily accessible to a users fingers. In some mice, a single
mechanical button is placed in the middle of the mouse while in
other mice, two mechanical buttons are placed on the left and right
side of the mouse. In either case, the mechanical buttons typically
include button caps that pivot relative to a fixed top back portion
of the mouse in order to provide a mechanical clicking action. When
pressed, the button caps come down on switches located underneath
the button caps thereby generating button event signals. The mice
may additionally include a scroll wheel. The scroll wheel allows a
user to move through documents by simply rolling the wheel forward
or backward. The scroll wheel is typically positioned between the
right and left mechanical buttons at the front top portion of the
mouse.
The unibody mouse is another type of mouse. Unlike the conventional
mouse, the unibody mouse does not include any mechanical buttons
thereby making it more elegant than the conventional mouse (e.g.,
no surface breaks or lines). The unibody mouse includes a base and
a top member that acts like a button and that forms the entire top
surface of the mouse. The top member pivots relative to the base in
order to provide a clicking action. In most cases, the top member
moves around a pivot located towards the back of the mouse so that
the top member can pivot forward and downward. When pivoted in this
manner, the top member activates a switch, which causes the
microcontroller in the mouse to send a button event signal to the
host computer. Although this design is more elegant than the
conventional mouse that includes mechanical buttons, in most cases
it only operates as a single button mouse thereby limiting its
functionality. The Apple Mouse manufactured by Apple Computer,
Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. is one example of a unibody mouse.
Recently, dual button functionality has been implemented in a
unibody mouse. In this implementation, the pivot of the top member
runs through the middle of the mouse. This allows the top member to
rock left and right. Switches are located in both the left and
right positions to implement right and left buttons. That is,
moving the top member to the right causes a right click to be
generated and moving the top member to the left causes a left click
to be generated. Unfortunately, the middle pivot does not allow a
user to press the middle of the mouse and further the force needed
to activate the buttons is high at areas near the middle pivot, and
low at areas further away from the middle pivot. The pivoting
action therefore feels sloppy and non uniform, which leaves a
negative impression on the user. In addition, accidental activation
of the buttons may be encountered when the mouse is moved around,
i.e., the force used to move the mouse may cause the mouse to tilt
to the right or left. Moreover, the form factor is different than
other mice which click down in the forward direction and therefore
clicking the mouse is not intuitive to the user.
Based on the foregoing, mice with improved form, feel and
functionality are therefore desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a mouse. The mouse
includes a housing and a plurality of button zones on the surface
of the housing. The button zones represent regions of the housing
that are capable of detecting touch events that occur on the
surface of the housing in the region of the button zones.
The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a mouse. The mouse
includes a mouse housing having an outer member. The mouse also
includes a first touch sensor configured to sense the presence of
an object at a first region of the outer member. The mouse further
includes a second touch sensor configured to sense the presence of
an object at a second region of the outer member, the second region
being different than the first region. The mouse additionally
includes a sensor management circuit (e.g., microcontroller or
other integrated circuit) that monitors the touch signals output by
the first and second touch sensors and reports button events based
at least in part on the signals output by the first and second
touch sensors.
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a configurable mouse
capable of operating as a single button or multi-button mouse. The
mouse includes an internal switch that generates an activation
signal. The mouse also includes a single moving member that
provides a clicking action. The moving member activates the
internal switch during the clicking action. The mouse further
includes a touch sensing arrangement that generates a first touch
signal when the movable member is touched in a first region and a
second touch signal when the movable member is touched in a second
region. The signals of the internal switch and the touch sensing
arrangement indicating one or more button events of the mouse.
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a mouse. The mouse
includes a housing having one or more pressure sensitive areas. The
mouse also includes a force sensing device located behind each of
the pressure sensitive areas. The force sensing devices being
configured to measure the force exerted at the pressure sensitive
areas.
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a mouse. The mouse
includes a jog ball device positioned at a surface of the mouse.
The jog ball device includes a ball that spins within a sealed
housing. The ball has a diameter that is less than 10 mm.
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a unibody mouse
including a base and a movable top member. The unibody mouse
includes a base having a first wing located on a right side of the
mouse, and a second wing located on a left side of the mouse. The
unibody mouse also includes a movable top member coupled to the
base. The unibody mouse further includes a first touch sensor
located on a front left side of the top member and a second touch
sensor located on a front right side of the top member. The first
touch sensor generates a first touch signal when the front left
side of the top member is touched, and the second touch sensor
generates a second touch signal when the front right side of the
top member is touched. The unibody mouse additionally includes a
jog ball device located in a front middle portion of the top member
between the first and second touch sensors. The jog ball device
includes a ball configured to generate multidirectional motion
signals when the ball is spun within a sealed housing. The jog ball
device includes a switch configured to generate a first activation
signal when the ball is moved relative to the sealed housing. The
unibody mouse further includes a first force sensor located behind
the first wing, and a second force sensor located behind the second
wing. The first force sensor generates a force signal when
increased pressure is exerted on the first wing, and the second
force sensor generates a force signal when increased pressure is
exerted on the second wing. The unibody mouse additionally includes
an internal switch configured to generate a second activation
signal when the top member is moved relative to the base and a
position sensing device configured to generate tracking signals
when the mouse is moved along a surface. Moreover, the unibody
mouse includes a microcontroller that monitors all the signals of
the above mentioned devices and reports tracking and multiple
button events based at least in part on these signals solely or in
combination with one another.
The invention relates, in another embodiment to a mouse. The mouse
includes an electronically controlled feedback system configured to
provide feedback to the user of the mouse so that the user is able
to positively confirm that an action has resulted in an actual
activation of one or more input mechanisms of the mouse.
The invention relates, in another embodiment to a mouse method. The
mouse method includes monitoring pressure at the surface of a
mouse. The method also includes performing an action based on a
change in pressure at the surface of the mouse.
The invention relates, in another embodiment to a mouse method. The
method includes monitoring a force at a surface of a mouse. The
method also includes determining whether the mouse has been lifted
off a surface. The method further includes if the mouse has not
been lifted off the surface, determining if a first force threshold
has been exceeded, and reporting a button event signal when the
force is above the first force threshold. The method additionally
includes if the mouse has been lifted off the surface, determining
if a second force threshold has been exceeded, and reporting the
button event signal when the force is above the second force
threshold.
The invention relates, in another embodiment to a mouse method. The
mouse method includes monitoring pressure at mouse surface. The
method also includes determining if a squeeze gesture is performed.
The method further includes if a squeeze gesture is performed,
performing an action in a window management program based on the
pressure at the mouse surface.
The invention relates, in another embodiment to a mouse method. The
mouse method includes monitoring a left touch sensor, a right touch
sensor and a switch. The mouse method also includes reporting a
left button event when only the left sensor and switch are
activated. The method further includes reporting a right button
event when only the right sensor and switch are activated. The
method additionally includes reporting a button event when the
right sensor, left sensor and switch are activated, the button
event being selected from a left button event, a right button
event, a third button event, or simultaneous left and right button
events.
The invention relates, in another embodiment to a mouse method. The
mouse method includes detecting a touch at a surface of a mouse.
The method also includes differentiating whether the touch is a
light or hard touch. The method further includes performing a first
action when a touch is a light touch. The method additionally
includes performing a second action when a touch is hard touch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may best be understood by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a mouse, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a mouse, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a top member of a mouse, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a mouse method, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is a mouse method, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 6 is a mouse vocabulary table, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of a mouse, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view, in cross section, of a mouse, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view, in cross section, of a mouse, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a mouse method, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating resistance verses force, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a force sensing circuit, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a table of outputs, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a mouse method, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 15 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a mouse, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a mouse, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram a graphical user interface, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an input control method, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a mouse, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a mouse having improved input
mechanisms. One aspect of the invention relates to mice with touch
sensing areas capable of generating input signals. The touch
sensing areas may for example be used to differentiate between left
and right clicks in a single button mouse. Another aspect of the
invention relates to mice with force sensing areas capable of
generating input signals. The force sensing areas may for example
be positioned on the sides of the mouse so that squeezing the mouse
generates input signals. Another aspect of the invention relates to
mice that include a jog ball. The jog ball may be used for
positioning a cursor or for providing a way to control scrolling or
panning. The jog ball may also be used to provide button
events.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
FIGS. 2-19. However, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect
to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention
extends beyond these limited embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mouse 20, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The mouse 20 is a movable
handheld input device for providing user commands to a host system
such as a computer. In most cases, the mouse 20 is configured to
control movements such as a cursor and initiate commands via one or
more clicking actions. The mouse 20 may be coupled to the host
system via a wired or wireless connection. In the case of wired
connections, the mouse 20 may include a cable for connecting to the
host system. In the case of wireless connections, the mouse may
include a radio frequency (RF) link, optical infrared (IR) link,
Bluetooth link or the like in order to eliminate the cable.
The mouse 20 generally includes a housing 22 that provides a
structure for moving the mouse 20 along a surface and for gripping
the mouse 20 for movement thereof. The housing 22 also helps to
define the shape or form of the mouse 20. That is, the contour of
the housing 22 embodies the outward physical appearance of the
mouse 20. The contour may be rectilinear, curvilinear or both. In
most cases, a bottom member 24 of the housing has an external
contour that substantially conforms to the contour of a flat
surface such as a desktop. In addition, a top member 26 of the
mouse housing 22 generally has an external contour that
substantially conforms to the contour of the inside surface of a
hand.
The housing 22 also provides a structure for enclosing, containing
and/or supporting the components of the mouse 20. Although not
shown, the components may correspond to electrical and/or
mechanical components for operating the mouse 20. For example, the
components may include a position detection mechanism such as a
track ball or optical assembly that monitors the movement of the
mouse 20 along a surface and that sends signals corresponding to
the movements to the host system. In most cases, the signals
produced by these components direct an input pointer to move on a
display screen in a direction similar to the direction of the mouse
20 as it is moved across a surface. For example, when the mouse 20
is moved forward or backwards, the input pointer is moved
vertically up or down, respectively, on the display screen. In
addition, when the mouse 20 is moved from side to side, the input
pointer is moved from side to side on the display screen.
The mouse 20 may be configured as a conventional mouse or a unibody
mouse. If configured as a conventional mouse, the mouse includes
one or more mechanical buttons that move relative to the top member
of the housing 22. If configured as a unibody mouse, the
functionality of a button (or buttons) is incorporated directly
into the housing 22 of the mouse 20. For example, the top member 26
may pivot relative to the bottom member 24 (as opposed to attaching
separate button caps through the housing). In either case, during a
clicking action, the movable component of the mouse 20 (whether a
mechanical button or a top member) is configured to engage a switch
located within the housing. When engaged, the switch generates a
button event signal that can be used to perform an action in the
host system.
In the illustrated embodiment, the mouse is a unibody mouse. In
this particular embodiment, the entire top member 26 is configured
to pivot about an axis 28 located in the back of the mouse 20. The
axis 28 may be provided by a pivot joint that connects the top and
bottom members 26 and 24. This arrangement allows the front portion
of the top member 26 to move downward when a force is applied on
the front of the top member 26 (e.g., the top member swings around
the axis 28). When forced downward, an inner surface of the top
member 26 presses against the internal switch located within the
housing 22 thereby generating the button event signal.
In order to increase the button functionality of the mouse 20
(while limiting breaks or lines in the housing), the mouse 20 may
further include a plurality of button zones 30 on the surface of
the housing 22. The button zones 30 represent regions of the
housing 22 that may be touched or pressed to implement different
button functions (with or without a clicking action). By way of
example, the button functions may include making selections,
opening a file or document, executing instructions, starting a
program, viewing a menu, and/or the like.
The button zones 30 are generally provided by sensors located
beneath the outer surface of the housing 22. The sensors are
configured to detect the presence of an object such as a finger
when a finger sits on, presses or passes over them. The sensors may
also be capable of sensing the amount of pressure being exerted
thereon. The sensors may be disposed underneath the inner surface
of the housing 22 or they may be embedded in the housing 22 itself.
By way of example, the sensors may be touch sensors and/or
pressure/force sensors.
The position of the button zones 30 may be widely varied. For
example, the button zones 30 may be positioned almost anywhere on
the mouse 20, including both moving and stationary components of
the mouse, so long as they are accessible to a user during
manipulation of the mouse 20 (e.g., top, left, right, front, back).
Furthermore, any number of button zones 30 may be used. Moreover,
the button zones 30 may be formed from almost any shape and the
size may vary according to the specific needs of each mouse. In
most cases, the size and shape of the button zones 30 correspond to
the size that allows them to be easily manipulated by a user (e.g.,
the size of a finger tip or larger). The size and shape of the
button zones 30 generally corresponds to the working area of the
sensor.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, at
least a portion of the button zones 30 are based on touch sensing.
The touch sensing button zones 30A provide inputs when the user
touches the surface of the mouse 20. The input signals can be used
to initiate commands, make selections, or control motion in a
display. The touches are recognized by a touch sensing device
located underneath or within the housing 22. The touch sensing
device monitors touches that occur on the housing 22 and produces
signals indicative thereof. The touch sensing device may for
example include one or more touch sensors based on resistive touch
sensing, capacitive touch sensing, optical touch sensing, surface
acoustic wave touch sensing, and/or the like.
In one embodiment, each of the touch sensing button zones 30A
utilize capacitance sensors. The capacitance sensors may be in the
form of electrodes or wires disposed underneath the outer surface
of the housing 22. As the finger approaches the outer surface of
the mouse 20, a tiny capacitance forms between the finger and the
electrode/wires in close proximity to the finger. The capacitance
in each electrode/wire is measured by a capacitance sensing circuit
or by the main microcontroller of the mouse. By detecting changes
in capacitance at each of the electrode/wires, the microcontroller
can determine the presence or absence of a finger on a particular
button zone 30A.
Although the touch sensing button zones 30A may be positioned
anywhere on the mouse, in one embodiment, at least two touch button
zones 30A are located on a physical button of the mouse 20 so as to
increase the functionality of the physical button. For example, the
touch button zones 30A may be positioned on a mechanical button in
a conventional mouse or the top member 26 in a unibody mouse (as
shown). In either case, both the physical buttons as well as the
button zones 30A in the region of the press generate signals. That
is, the switch of the physical button generates a first signal when
the physical button is pressed, and the sensors of the button zones
30A in the region of the press generate additional signals. The
signals generated by the switch and sensors may be interpreted in a
variety of ways either separately or in combination, and may even
be assignable by a user as for example using a preference window or
control panel.
In one implementation, the button zones 30A are positioned on the
left and right sides of a single physical button so that a single
physical button can operate like conventional left and right
mechanical buttons. The left and right button zones 30A help
determine whether a single clicking action is a left or right
clicking action. When a user presses on the left side of the single
physical button (e.g., top member 26), two signals are generated,
one from the switch, the other from the touch sensor located on the
left side. These two states may be interpreted as a primary or left
click button event. When a user presses on the right side of the
single physical button (e.g., top member 26), two signals are
generated, one from the switch, the other from the touch sensor
located on the right side. These two states may be interpreted as a
secondary or right click button event.
In the case where fingers press on both the right and left sides
(simultaneous), three signals are generated, one from the switch,
one from the touch sensor located on the left side and another from
the touch sensor located on the right side. These three states may
be interpreted in a variety of ways. For example, they may be
interpreted as a primary or left button click, a third distinct
button event or even alternating or simultaneous left and right
button events. The last example may be beneficial in game playing
where a user typically has to physically alternate between left and
right clicks to perform an action in the game.
In one embodiment, a visual preview clue may be provided on-screen
when a finger is lightly pressing one or both of the touch sensors.
Lightly pressing may for example correspond to the condition when a
finger is placed over the touch sensor, but the press is not hard
enough to activate the main switch. The visual clue alerts a user
to which button will be activated when the main switch is finally
pressed (hard touch). The visual clue may for example be a menu
icon when the secondary (right button) is touched, and an arrow
icon when the primary (left button) is touched. Alternatively or
additionally, the touch buttons may be illuminable touch buttons
that illuminate when the touch button is lightly pressed thereby
alerting the user as to which button will be activated.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, at
least a portion of the button zones 30B are based on pressure or
force sensing. The force sensing button zones 30B provide inputs
when forces are applied to the housing 22 of the mouse 20. The
input signals can be used to initiate commands, make selections, or
control motion in a display. In this embodiment, the housing 22
typically provides a slight amount of flex so that any forces
exerted thereon can be distributed to a force sensing device
located underneath the housing 22. The force sensing device
monitors the forces on the housing 22 and produces signals
indicative thereof. The force sensing device may for example
include one or more force sensors such as force sensitive
resistors, force sensitive capacitors, load cells, pressure plates,
piezoelectric transducers, strain gauges and/or the like.
The force sensors may be attached to the under surface of the
housing 22 or to a structural platform located within the housing
22. When a force is applied to the housing 22 (squeezing or pushing
on the housing), the force is transmitted through the housing 22 to
the force sensor located underneath the housing 22. That is, the
housing 22 flexes minimally, but still enough to be sensed by the
force sensor sandwiched between the housing 22 and the internal
structural platform.
In one particular implementation, the force sensing button zones
30B are located on opposing sides of the housing 22 on the top
member 26 or the bottom member 24. The sides of the housing 22 are
ideal places for implementing a squeeze gesture. This is because
the users fingers are typically positioned on one side of the mouse
20 and thumb on the other side of the mouse 20 and therefore the
hand may easily squeeze the sides via a pinching action. The
squeeze gesture can be used alone or simultaneously with button
clicks and pointing. For example, the squeeze gesture can be used
to initiate control functions such as zoom, pan, resize, volume
control, and the like where the squeeze is a physical metaphor for
the action itself.
The squeeze gesture may also be used in combination with
traditional button clicks or pointing to modify the button clicks
or pointing or to generate other control functions. For example,
the squeeze gesture can be used with standard GUI functions in a
way where increased pressure translates to a more intense level of
the standard GUI function (e.g., a characteristic of the standard
GUI function is based on the amount of pressure). By way of
example, the speed of a standard GUI function may be related to the
pressure being exerted on the sides of the mouse (e.g., faster
scrolling with increased pressure and slower scrolling with
decreased pressure).
Because it is so convenient to activate the squeeze gesture,
special care must be taken when designing the squeeze feature so
that it will not be accidentally activate during normal use, i.e.,
needs to be able to differentiate between light and hard squeezes.
By way of example, the squeeze feature may be implemented using
force sensitive sensors such as a force sensitive resistor (FSR) or
capacitor (FSC). FSR's, exhibit a decrease in resistance with an
increase in force applied to its active surface while FSC's exhibit
an increase in capacitance with an increase in force applied to its
active surface. A comparator circuit can be used to output a high
signal to indicate activation when a preset force threshold is
reached.
In one implementation, the squeeze gesture (pressing the sides of
the mouse) is configured to control one or more features of a
window management program such as Expose' manufactured by Apple
Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Window management programs are
configured to help navigate through or mitigate window clutter (the
state where its is difficult to find documents or see the desktop
because there are so many open windows and/or applications).
Expose' in particular has three different modes of operation, which
can be controlled by the squeeze gesture. The first mode is All
Windows or Tile, Scale and Show all. When operating in this mode,
all open windows are tiled and scaled so that all the open windows
can be seen simultaneously inside the display screen. That is,
squeezing the sides of the mouse 20 instantly tiles all of the open
windows--scales them down and neatly arranges them so that the user
can view the contents in each window. The amount of scaling or the
rate of scaling may be tied to the amount of pressure be exerted on
the sides of the mouse 20. The second mode is Application Windows
or Highlight Current Application. This mode works similarly to the
first mode except that it only works on a particular application.
For example, squeezing the sides of the mouse 20 may instantly tile
the open windows of a particular application while causing all of
the other open application to fade to a shade of grey. The third
mode is Desktop or Hide All. In this mode, all of the open windows
are moved to the screen edges thereby opening up the desktop. That
is, squeezing the sides of the mouse 20 may hide all of the open
windows giving the user instant access to their desktop.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the
mouse 20 includes a jog ball 32. The jog ball 32 is configured to
replace the conventional scroll wheel. Unlike the scroll wheel, the
jog ball 32 is capable of rotating or spinning in multiple
directions and therefore generating multidirectional signals
similar to a track ball. Unlike a track ball, however, the jog ball
32 includes a much smaller ball that is sealed inside a housing.
The smaller ball makes it easy to perform operations using one
finger, and because the ball is sealed inside a housing this
technique is less prone to dirt and dust (e.g., the ball does not
have to be removed and cleaned). Furthermore, instead of using
mechanical encoders as in track balls, the jog ball 32 utilizes a
non contact magnetic configured ball and a hall IC. As the ball
spins around, the hall IC detects the magnetic field of the
spinning ball, and generates signals indicative thereof. In some
cases, the jog ball 32 may even include a spring actuated switch
that activates when the ball is pressed down. This may operate as a
third button of the mouse.
The ball is preferably sized smaller than 10 mm, more particularly
between about 5 and about 8 mm and even more preferably about 7.1
mm. The smaller ball is easily actuated by a single finger (unlike
larger trackballs which are unwieldy for one finger), saves real
estate of the mouse for the button zones (unlike large trackballs
which take up most of the usable surface area), is more
aesthetically pleasing (not as obtrusive as a track ball), and does
not take up a large amount of space inside the mouse housing
(unlike trackballs).
By way of example, the jog ball 32 may correspond to the WJN series
jog ball switch manufactured by Panasonic Corporation of North
America. The EVQWJN series jog ball in particular includes a switch
and has overall dimensions of 10.7 mm.times.9.3 mm.times.6 mm with
a 5.5 mm ball.
The placement of the jog ball 32 may be widely varied. In most
cases, the placement is such that it can be easily manipulated by a
finger when the hand is holding the mouse 20. In one particular
embodiment, the jog ball 32 is positioned in front center of the
mouse 20. For example, the jog ball 32 may be fixed to the housing
22 of the mouse 20 and positioned between the left and right
mechanical buttons in a conventional mouse or fixed to the movable
top member 26 between the left and right touch button zones 30A in
a unibody mouse. Alternatively, the jog ball 32 may be positioned
on the sides of the mouse 20.
In one embodiment, the jog ball 32 includes a switch. The jog ball
switch is used in combination with the main switch of the unibody
mouse 20 to implement a third button. For example, if the switch of
the jog ball 32 and the main switch are activated together, a third
button signal is generated. If one is activated and the other is
deactivated, the third button signal is not generated. Generally
speaking, in order to cause the third button to activate, the user
has to provide enough force to press the jog ball 32 down as well
as the top member 26 so that the top member 26 engages the main
switch located inside the mouse 20.
In one embodiment, the jog ball 32, which spins freely inside a
housing in all directions, is configured to provide a scrolling or
panning function for the mouse 20 so that a user can move the GUI
vertically (up and down), and horizontally (left and right) in
order to bring more data into view on a display screen. For
example, the jog ball 32 may be arranged to move the GUI vertically
up when spun towards the front of the mouse 20, vertically down
when spun towards the back of the mouse 20, horizontally to a right
side when spun towards the right side of the mouse 20, and
horizontally to a left side when spun towards the left side of the
mouse 20.
In another embodiment, at least some of the signals generated by
the jog ball 32 are used for scrolling/panning while the remaining
signals are used for button events. For example, vertical scrolling
may be implemented when the jog ball 32 is spun up and down, and a
right button event or fourth button may be implemented when the jog
ball is spun to the right, and a left button event or fifth button
may be implemented when the jog ball is spun to the left. That is,
the horizontal scroll/panning is disabled in order to enable
additional button functionality while maintaining the vertical
scroll/pan functionality.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
because the input means (button zones and jog ball) may not provide
sound feedback when activated (e.g., no mechanical detents), the
mouse may further include an on-board speaker that provides an
audible clicking noise when at least some of these devices are
activated. The audible clicking noise may be distinct to each input
mechanism, or the same clicking noise may be used. As should be
appreciated the sound feedback enhances the usability of the mouse
as the user is able to positively confirm that his action has
resulted in an actual activation of the input mechanism. During
operation, the microcontroller of the mouse sends a driving signal
to the speaker when the appropriate input is received from the
input mechanisms, and the speaker outputs one or more "clicks" in
response to the driving signal.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of a unibody mouse 100
will be described in greater detail. The unibody mouse 100 may for
example correspond to the mouse shown and described in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the unibody mouse 100 includes a plastic top
shell 102 that pivots relative to a plastic base 104. The pivot
point 106 is typically located at the back of the mouse 100. This
allows the front portion of the top shell 102 to move downward
towards the base 104 when a force is applied on the front of the
top shell 102 (e.g., the top shell swings around the pivot point).
When the plastic top shell 102 is forced down at the front, it
activates a main switch 108 that causes a microcontroller in the
mouse 100 to send a button down event to a host computer. One
embodiment of a unibody mouse such as this can be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,373,470, which is herein incorporated by reference.
In order to provide additional inputs, the mouse 100 also includes
capacitive sensors 112 that are placed at suitable locations across
the top shell 102. The capacitive sensors 112 are configured to
detect where portions of the hand, and more particularly one or
more fingers, are contacting the surface of the mouse 100. Because
the capacitive sensors 112 can detect fingers through a plastic
surface of a several millimeters thick, the capacitive sensors 112
can be either embedded in the plastic top shell 102 or fixed to the
underside of the plastic top shell 102 (as shown).
The capacitive sensors 112 may be widely varied. In one embodiment,
the sensors 112 are in the form of conductive electrodes 113 that
are operatively coupled to a capacitive sensing circuit that
monitors the capacitance at each electrode 113. The capacitance
sensing circuit may for example be a separate or integral component
of the microcontroller of the mouse 100. The conductive electrodes
113 may be any thin metallic material. By way of example, the
electrodes 113 may be embodied as a metallic foil such as copper
foil tape that is adhered to the inner surface of the top shell
102, a conductive paint or ink that is coated on the inner surface
of the top shell 102 (e.g., PET with silver ink), a flexible
printed circuit (FPC) with copper print that is glued or taped to
the inner surface of the top shell 102, a wire or band that is
molded into the top shell 102, and/or the like.
The size, shape and position of the conductive electrodes 113 can
be modified to increase the sensitivity of the electrodes 113. As a
general guide, the static capacitance of the electrodes 113
(without the finger touching it) should be kept as small as
possible. Furthermore, when a finger is touching the electrodes
113, the change in capacitance should be made as large as possible
(the ratio of the capacitance between the two states should be
maximized). In one implementation, the electrode configuration is
configured to produce an increase of 3-5% in the electrode
capacitance when a finger is touching the electrode. Some factors
that affect the capacitance include but are not limited by: area of
the electrodes, distance between electrodes and the thickness of
the top shell. Each of these factors can be varied separately or in
combination with each other to achieve the desired results. That
is, it may be necessary to test different combinations of these
parameters to reach an optimal design for a particular
application.
In one embodiment, the surface area of the electrodes is reduced by
removing sections from the electrodes 113. For example, the
electrodes 113 may be configured with various holes or voids 114
that are randomly or symmetrically placed in the electrodes 113
(e.g., Swiss cheese). Alternatively, the electrodes 113 may be
formed from rows and columns of woven or attached wires with spaces
between the rows and columns (e.g., chain link or mesh).
Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the electrode 113
may be reduced in order to increase the sensitivity of the
electrodes 113. The thickness may for example be between about 0.2
and about 0.4 mm thick when using copper foil.
As shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates the underbelly of the top
shell 102, the mouse 100 includes two capacitance sensing
electrodes 113 that are spatially separated and positioned on
opposite sides of the mouse 100. A first electrode 113A is placed
on the front left side of the top shell 102 and a second electrode
113B is placed on a front right side of the top shell 102. That is,
the first electrode 113A is placed to the left of the centerline
116 of the mouse 100, and the second electrode 113B is placed to
the right of the centerline 116 of the mouse 100.
By placing the electrodes 113 at the front of the mouse in the left
and right positions, the unibody mouse 100 can be operated like a
conventional two button mouse. The signals generated by the main
switch and left sensor 112A indicate a primary button event, and
the signals generated by the main switch and the right sensor 112B
indicate a secondary button event. To activate the primary button
(left click), the user places their finger on the left side of the
top shell 102 over the left electrode 113A and applies a force on
the top shell 102 until the top shell 102 activates the main switch
108. Likewise, to activate the secondary button (right click), the
user places their finger on the right side of the top shell 102
over the right electrode 11 3B, and activates the main switch 108
by applying a force on the top shell 102. One advantage of this
configuration is that the force needed to activate the left and
right buttons are the same.
As should be appreciated, the button detection algorithm requires
two signals to be detected to determine whether the primary or
secondary button is activated. For primary button detection, the
left sensor 112A and main switch are activated. For secondary
button detection, the right sensor 112B and main switch are
activated. In cases where the left and right sensors as well as the
main switch are activated, several different functions may be
performed. In some cases, the user may want to activate the primary
and secondary buttons at the same time (when playing a game that
requires them to be used in this manner). In other cases, the user
may want the mouse to interpret the two sensors and the main
activation (at the same time) as primary button activation. In yet
other cases, the user may want the mouse to interpret the two
sensors and the main switch activation (at the same time) as a
third button.
Alternatively, the position of the primary and secondary buttons
can be reconfigured via software as necessary to suit a left or
right handed person, i.e., a right handed person typically prefers
the primary button to be on the left and a left handed person
typically prefers the primary button on the right.
Alternatively or additionally, the sensors may operate
independently from the switch. For example, the mouse may be
configured with inputs that are created when the touch sensors are
lightly touched so that the switch is not activated. A light touch
on the left touch sensor may generate a second left button event,
and a light touch on the right touch sensor may generate a second
right button event. In a manner of speaking, the switch may be used
to differentiate between light and hard touches.
A control panel may be provided in the host system to let a user
choose how the sensors/switches are to be interpreted.
In most cases, the capacitive sensing method mentioned above relies
on a change in capacitance at the electrodes caused by the
introduction of a finger on the sensor. The human body is
essentially a capacitor and adds to the electrode capacitance when
the finger touches it with the return path being the ground (floor)
the person is standing on or any part of the body that touches a
ground. Because there are instances where a person may not have a
ground path back to the mouse/computer system, e.g. sitting with
legs folded on a plastic chair, the capacitance sensor design may
be configured with a pair of capacitive electrodes on each side of
the mouse in the touch area, e.g., front of mouse. With at least
two electrodes per side, the "floating finger" provides a
capacitive coupling between them thus causing a change in
capacitance. That is, the floating finger forms a coupling between
the two electrodes, and this will add to the capacitance of the
electrodes, which then can be interpreted as a finger is
present.
FIG. 4 is a mouse method 200, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. The mouse method may be performed on the
mouse described in FIGS. 2 and 3. The mouse method 200 begins at
block 202 where a determination is made as to whether or not the
left sensor is activated. If the left sensor is activated, the
method proceeds to block 204 where a determination is made as to
whether or not the main switch is activated. If the main switch is
activated, the method proceeds to block 206 where a left button
event is reported.
If the left sensor or main switch is not activated, the method
proceeds to block 208 where a determination is made as to whether
or not the right sensor is activated. If the right sensor is
activated, the method proceeds to block 210 where a determination
is made as to whether or not the main switch is activated. If the
main switch is activated, the method proceeds to block 212 where a
right button event is reported.
If the right sensor or main switch is not activated, the method
proceed to block 214 where a determination is made as to whether or
not the right and left sensors are simultaneously activated. If the
sensors are simultaneously activated. The method proceeds to block
216 where a determination is made as to whether or not the main
switch is activated. If the main switch is activated, the method
proceeds to block 218 which has several possible outcomes depending
on the user's needs. The outcomes may be selectable by the user via
a control panel.
In one embodiment, block 218 includes only reporting only a left or
right button event. In another embodiment, block 218 includes
reporting both left and right button events (simultaneously or
alternating). In yet another embodiment, block 218 may include
reporting a third button event. If the right and left sensor or
main switch is not activated, the method proceeds back to the
beginning and starts over.
FIG. 5 is a mouse method 230, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. This method is similar to the method of FIG.
4, with the exception that if a determination is made that there is
no click, additional button events are reported based on only the
various touches. For example, if the left sensor is activated, and
the right sensor and main switch are not activated, the method
proceeds to block 232 where a first light touch button event is
reported. If the right sensor is activated, and the left and sensor
and main switch are not activated, the method proceeds to block 234
where a second light touch button event is reported. If the left
sensor and the right sensor are activated and the main switch is
not, the method proceeds to block 236 where a third light touch
button event is reported.
FIG. 6 is an example of a the mouse vocabulary table 240 based on
methods described in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown, the table 240
includes the signals produced by the main switch, left sensor and
right sensor as well as what is reported when the various signals
are activated or deactivated.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, one embodiment of a unibody mouse 300
will be described in greater detail. The unibody mouse 300 may for
example correspond to the mouse shown and described in FIG. 1.
Similar to the unibody mouse mentioned in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
unibody mouse of FIGS. 7 and 8 includes a housing 302 having a top
member 304 that pivots relative to a base 306 in order to activate
an internal switch (not shown).
The housing 302 additionally includes wings 308 positioned at both
sides of the mouse 300. The wings 308 are an extension of the base
306 and are separate from the top member 304. The wings 308, which
extend above the base 306 and into the sides of the top member 304,
are typically flush with the outer surface of the top member 304.
Although in some instances the wings 308 may be recessed or
protrude away from the outer surface of the top member 304. The
wings 308 allow a user to hold the mouse 300 with their finger and
thumb so that the mouse 300 can be moved about a surface without
tilting the top member 304. The wings 308 also allow the user to
hold the internal switch closed (top member down) while lifting and
moving the mouse 300. This operation is commonly used in situations
where the user needs to move the cursor across the display screen
and has very little workspace to move the mouse 300. This is
sometimes referred to as a "lift and drag" operation.
Because the fingers and thumb are usually at the wings 308 or in
close proximity to the wings 308 when the mouse 300 is being held,
the wings 308 are ideal locations for implementing one or more
input features. The user can press one or both of the wings 308 in
order to generate various inputs. In fact, the wing buttons can
work similarly to the touch buttons mentioned above. In one
embodiment, each of the wings produces a separate input when
pressed. In another embodiment, pressing on one or both of the
wings produces the same control signal. The later arrangement can
accommodate almost any hand position including conventionally at
the sides of the mouse or unconventionally such as transverse to
the conventional position or on only one side of the mouse.
In one embodiment, the input features are implemented with force
sensors 310, and more particularly force sensitive resistors or
capacitors, that are positioned behind the wings 308 and that
produce data that varies according to the pressure exerted on the
wings 308 when the wings 308 are pressed. The data (e.g., changes
in resistance, capacitance, etc.) may be used to produce binary
control inputs such as on/off or activate/deactivate via control
circuitry. This may be accomplished when a predetermined force
threshold is reached. Alternatively, the data may be used to
produce variable control inputs that vary according to the force
being applied. In either case, the mouse 300 typically includes a
microcontroller 312 that monitors the output of the force sensors
310 and generates signals indicative thereof.
As shown in FIG. 8, the wings 308 extend above the surface of the
base 306 and therefore they act like flexures that are capable of
bending inwardly when a force is applied thereto (slight amount of
flex). Furthermore, the sensors 310 are positioned between the
inner surface of the wings 308 and a bridge 314 located within the
housing 302. The bridge 314 may for example be a rigid piece of
plastic that is attached directly or indirectly to the base 306.
The sensors 310 may float between the bridge 314 and wings 308 or
the sensors 310 may be attached to either the wings 308 or the
bridge 314 (as shown).
When a force is applied to the wings 308 as for example by the
pinching nature of the hand, the wings 308 flex inwardly and press
against the sensors 310, which abut a flat surface of the bridge
314. The FSRs exhibit a decreased resistance with increasing levels
of force while the FSCs exhibit an increased capacitance with
increasing levels of force. The data generated therefrom may be
used to produce control inputs based on the force applied at the
wings 308.
When the input feature is operated as a binary input device, the
microcontroller 312 is configured to produce binary inputs such as
on/off based on a particular resistance of the FSRs or a particular
capacitance of the FSCs. In the case of FSRs, if the resistance
falls below a certain level, then the microcontroller 312 may treat
the squeeze as a button event. In the case of FSCs, if the
capacitance rises above a certain level, then the microcontroller
312 may treat the squeeze as a button event. In some cases, a
comparator circuit may be used to output a high signal that
indicates button activation when a preset force threshold is
reached. In fact, the mouse 300 may include two activation force
thresholds, one for normal operations and one for lift and drag
operations.
When the input feature is operated as a variable input device, the
microcontroller 312 is configured to produce variable inputs that
vary according to the resistance of the FSRs or the capacitance of
the FSCs.
In one particular embodiment, the force sensors 310 correspond to
FSCs. FSCs tend to be more cost effective than FSRs, and in cases
where the mouse includes both the squeeze feature and the
capacitive touch sensors previously described (FIGS. 2 and 3), the
same capacitance sensing circuit can be used to monitor the
capacitance at the capacitance touch sensors and the capacitance
force sensors.
In one implementation, the FSCs consist of parallel conductive
plates separated by one or more deformable spacers. When the sensor
is pressed, the distance between the plates becomes smaller thereby
increasing the capacitance, which is read by the capacitance
sensing circuit and thereafter reported to the microcontroller of
the mouse.
As shown in FIG. 9, the inner surface of the wings 308 may include
a plunger or nub 320 that presses against the sensors 310 when the
wings 308 are forced inwardly rather than having a flat surface as
shown in FIG. 8. The plunger 320, which protrudes from the inner
surface, helps transmit the force from the wings 308 to the sensors
310 thereby enhancing the operation of the sensors 310.
Alternatively, the plunger 320 may be placed on the flat surface of
the bridge 314.
Although not shown, in some cases, in order to ensure that the
input features work properly when squeezed, a shim may be needed to
fill gaps or spaces found between the sensors 310 and the wings 308
or between the sensors 310 and the bridge 314.
FIG. 10 is a mouse method 400, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. The mouse method 400 generally begins at
block 402 where the force at the sides of the mouse are monitored.
This may be accomplished using the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 and
8.
Following block 402, the method proceeds to block 404 where a
determination is made as to whether or not the mouse has been
lifted off the table (e.g., lift and drag operation). This may be
accomplished by polling the surface quality (SQUAL) value from the
optical tracking sensor of the mouse. The optical tracking sensor
uses an optical navigation technology that measures changes in
position by optically acquiring sequential surface images and
mathematically determining the direction and magnitude of the
changes. The sensor provides a SQUAL value that is a measure of the
number features on the surface that is visible to the sensor. When
the mouse is on a work surface, the sensor sees features of the
work surface and thus it returns a non-zero for the SQUAL value.
When the mouse is lifted off the table, the sensor does not see any
features on the work surface and thus it returns a zero for the
SQUAL value.
If the mouse has not been lifted off the table, the method 400
proceeds to block 406 where a determination is made as to whether
or not a first force threshold has been exceeded. The first force
threshold is set at a force level that is higher than the force
typically required to hold the sides of the mouse during normal
use. As should be appreciated, the use force is typically very low
compared to a force associated with a squeeze. If the first force
threshold is exceeded, the method proceeds to block 408 where a
button event is generated. If the first force threshold is not
exceeded, the method proceeds back to block 402.
Referring back to block 404, if it is determined that the mouse has
been lifted off the table, then the method proceeds to block 410
where a determination is made as to whether or not a second force
threshold has been exceeded. The second force threshold is set at a
force level that is higher than the force required to hold the
mouse during a lifting operation. As should be appreciated, the
lifting force is typically much higher than the first force
described above. If the second force threshold has been exceeded,
the method proceeds to block 412 where a button event is generated.
If the second force threshold is not exceeded, the method proceeds
back to block 402.
Using the implementation of the optical tracking sensor, when the
force exerted on the sides of the mouse is greater than the first
force and the SQUAL value is non zero, this is an indication that
the user is performing a squeeze gesture at the sides of the mouse
during normal use and that a button event should be generated. When
the force exerted on the wings is greater than the second force and
the SQUAL value is zero, this is an indication that the user is
performing a squeeze gesture at the sides of the mouse during a
lift and drag operation and that a button event should be
generated.
FIG. 11 is a resistance verses force diagram 420 of an FSR, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Several
force thresholds are shown. F1 is the force at the sides of the
mouse during normal usage. F2, which is greater than F1, is the
force required to activate the squeeze button when the mouse is on
a work surface. F3, which is greater than F2, is the force at the
sides of the mouse when performing a lift and drag operation. F4,
which is greater than F3, is the force required to activate the
squeeze button during the lift and drag operation.
FIG. 12 is diagram of a comparator circuit 430, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. The comparator circuit 430
is configured to output a "high" signal when the low force F2 and
the high force F4 thresholds are reached. The comparator circuit
430 includes two comparators U1 and U2 (432 and 434), each of which
are connected to an FSR 436. The triggering voltages of the
comparators 432 and 434 are set at voltages that correspond to low
force threshold U1 and high force threshold U2. When the force
threshold is reached, the comparator circuit 430 outputs a "high"
signal. This signal is fed to a microcontroller that also monitors
SQUAL signals from an optical tracking sensor. When the appropriate
signals are received, the microcontroller outputs a button event
signal to the host system. In some cases, the triggering voltages
at U1 and U2 can be made adjustable through the use of a digital to
analog converter DAC in the microcontroller. As a result, the user
and/or the host system can adjust the force thresholds to better
fit the user.
FIG. 13 is a truth table 440 for determining button activation, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown,
the table includes off table detect signals, high force F4 signals,
low force F2 signals and the button activation.
FIG. 14 is a GUI operational method 500, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The method begins at block 502
where the pressure at the mouse surface is monitored. This may for
example be performed by the force sensing buttons described above.
In one particular embodiment, the pressure is monitored at one side
of the mouse, and more particularly at both sides of the mouse. The
increased pressure at the sides may be due to a squeeze gesture
being performed. A squeeze gesture may for example may be defined
as a pinching action that is performed on the mouse between at
least two fingers.
Following block 502, the method 500 proceeds to block 504 where a
determination is made as to whether or not a squeeze gesture has
been implemented at the surface of the mouse. For example, whether
or not a predetermined force threshold has been reached.
Following block 504, the method proceeds to block 506 where an
action is performed in a window management program (or other
program) based on the pressure at the mouse surface. The action may
be widely varied. In one implementation, the action includes tiling
and scaling down all the open windows so that all the open windows
can be seen simultaneously inside the display screen. In another
implementation, the action includes tiling and scaling down all the
open windows associated with a particular application while
removing the remaining windows from the foreground (e.g., gray them
out). In yet another implementation, the action includes moving all
the opening windows to the screen edges thereby giving the user
instant access to their desktop.
The manner in which the action takes place may be based on the
monitored pressure. In some cases, the rate of scaling is based on
the pressure exerted at the surface of the mouse. For example, the
rate of scaling may be increased with increased pressure (or vice
versa). In other cases, the size of the tiles may be based on the
pressure exerted at the surface of the mouse. For example,
increased pressure may cause smaller tiles to be generated (or vice
versa).
Referring to FIG. 15, one embodiment of a unibody mouse 550 will be
described in greater detail. The unibody mouse 550 may for example
correspond to the mouse shown and described in FIG. 1. Similar to
the unibody mouse mentioned in FIGS. 2 and 3, the unibody mouse of
FIG. 15 includes a housing 552 having a top member 554 that pivots
relative to a base 556 in order to activate an internal switch (not
shown). As shown in FIG. 15, a jog ball 560 is situated in a sealed
housing 562 and the sealed housing 562 is mounted on the inside
surface of the top member 554. The top member 554 includes an
opening or hole 564 for receiving the jog ball 560 which extends
out of the sealed housing 562, and which extends above the top
surface of the top member 554 so that it can be easily spun by a
user when the user is holding the mouse. Because the jog ball 560
is smaller than a finger tip, the jog ball 560 is easy to maneuver
with a single finger, and without repositioning the hand. In
addition, the jog ball including the sealed housing does not take
up a lot of space inside the mouse 550.
FIG. 16 block diagram of a computing system 450, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. The system 450 includes a
mouse 452 and a computer 454 such as a desktop computer, lap top
computer, hand held computer, and the like. By way of example, the
computer 454 may correspond to any Apple or PC based computer. The
computer 454 generally includes a processor 456 configured to
execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with
the computer system 450. For example, using instructions retrieved
for example from memory, the processor 456 may control the
reception and manipulation of input and output data between
components of the computing system 450. The processor 456 can be a
single-chip processor or can be implemented with multiple
components.
In most cases, the processor 456 together with an operating system
operates to execute computer code and produce and use data. The
computer code and data may reside within a program storage 458
block that is operatively coupled to the processor 456. Program
storage block 458 generally provides a place to hold data that is
being used by the computer system 450. By way of example, the
program storage block 458 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM),
Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive and/or the like. The
computer code and data could also reside on a removable program
medium and loaded or installed onto the computer system when
needed. Removable program mediums include, for example, CD-ROM,
PC-CARD, floppy disk, magnetic tape, and a network component.
The computer 454 also includes an input/output (I/O) controller 460
that is operatively coupled to the processor 456. The (I/O)
controller 160 may be integrated with the processor 456 or it may
be a separate component as shown. The I/O controller 460 is
generally configured to control interactions with one or more I/O
devices (e.g., mouse 452) that can be coupled to the computer 454.
The I/O controller 460 generally operates by exchanging data
between the computer 454 and the I/O devices that desire to
communicate with the computer 454. The I/O devices and the computer
454 typically communicate through a data link 462. The data link
462 may be a one way link or two way link. In some cases, the I/O
devices may be connected to the I/O controller 160 through wired
connections. In other cases, the I/O devices may be connected to
the I/O controller 160 through wireless connections. By way of
example, the data link 162 may correspond to PS/2, USB, IR, RF,
Bluetooth or the like.
The computer 454 also includes a display controller 464 that is
operatively coupled to the processor 456. The display controller
464 may be integrated with the processor 456 or it may be a
separate component as shown. The display controller 464 is
configured to process display commands to produce text and graphics
on a display device 466. The display device 466 may be integral
with the computer or it may be a separate component of the computer
454. By way of example, the display device may be a monochrome
display, color graphics adapter (CGA) display, enhanced graphics
adapter (EGA) display, variable-graphics-array (VGA) display, super
VGA display, liquid crystal display (e.g., active matrix, passive
matrix and the like), cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma displays and
the like.
The mouse 452, on the other hand, generally includes a
microcontroller 474 configured to acquire data from the various
input mechanisms and to supply the acquired data to the processor
456 of the computer 454. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 474
is configured to send raw data to the processor 456 so that the
processor 456 processes the raw data. For example, the processor
456 receives data from the microcontroller 474 and then determines
how the data is to be used within the computer system 452. In
another embodiment, the microcontroller 474 is configured to
process the raw data itself. That is, the microcontroller 474 reads
the pulses from the input mechanisms and turns them into data that
the computer 454 can understand. By way of example, the
microcontroller 474 may place the data in a HID format (Human
Interface Device).
The microcontroller 474 may be embodied as one or more application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that are configured to monitor
the signals from the input mechanism, to process the monitored
signals and to report this information to the processor (e.g., x,
y, button, left, right, etc.). By way of example, this may be
implemented through Firmware.
The mouse 452 also includes a position sensing device 470 which is
operatively coupled to the microcontroller 474. The position
sensing device 470 is configured to generate tracking signals when
the mouse 452 is moved along a surface. The tracking signals may be
used to control the movement of a pointer or cursor on the display
screen 466. The tracking signals may be associated with a Cartesian
coordinate system (x and y) or a Polar coordinate system (r,
.theta.). By way of example, the position sensing device 170 may
correspond to a conventional trackball or optical assembly.
The mouse 452 also includes a main switch 476 that is operatively
coupled to the microcontroller 474. The main switch 476 is
configured to generate a button event when the mouse performs a
clicking action, as for example, when the top shell is moved
relative to the base in a unibody design.
The mouse 452 may further include a touch sensing device 478 that
is operatively coupled to the microcontroller 474. The touch
sensing device 478 is configured to generate touch signals when the
hand is positioned over or on the mouse 452. The signals may be
used to differentiate between left and right clicking actions. The
touch sensing device may for example be arranged similarly to that
described above.
The mouse 452 may additionally include a force sensing device 480
that is operatively coupled to the microcontroller 474. The force
sensing device 480 is configured to generate force signals when the
hand exerts pressure on the mouse 452. The signals may be used to
initiate a button event. The force sensing device may for example
be arranged similarly to that described above.
Moreover, the mouse 452 may include a jog ball 482 that is
operatively coupled to the microcontroller 474. The jog ball 482 is
configured to generate multidirectional tracking signals when the
ball is rotated within a housing. The jog ball 482 may also be
configured to generate a button event when the ball is pressed. The
jog ball may for example be arranged similarly to that described
above.
Because the touch sensing devices 478, force sensing devices 480
and jog ball 482 may not provide any feedback when activated (e.g.,
no mechanical detents), the mouse 452 may further include a
feedback system 484 configured to provide feedback to the user of
the mouse 452 so that the user is able to positively confirm that
his action has resulted in an actual activation of an input
mechanism as for example one or more of the input mechanisms
described above (e.g., touch sensing device 478, force sensing
device 480, jog ball 482, etc.). The feedback system 484, which is
operatively coupled to the microcontroller 474, includes one or
more feedback generators 486 including audio feedback devices 486A,
haptics devices 486B and/or visual feedback devices 486C. Each of
the various feedback generators 486 provides a different kind of
feedback to the user when an input is made. Audio devices 486A
provide sound, haptics devices 486B provide tactile forces, and
visual devices 486C provide visual stimuli. There may be a single
feedback generator or multiple feedback generators that are used by
all the input devices when an action is made, or alternatively,
there may be a feedback generator or multiple feedback generators
for each input device. That is, each input device may include its
own dedicated feedback generators.
In the case of audio feedback generators 486A, the mouse 452 may
include on-board speakers or buzzers such as a piezo electric
speaker or a piezo electric buzzer. These devices are configured to
output a clicking noise when a user performs an action as for
example when a user touches one of the touch sensing devices 478,
squeezes the presses against the force sensing devices 480 or spins
the jog ball 482. This feature enhances the user's experience and
makes each of these input devices feel more like mechanical input
devices.
In one embodiment, the mouse 452 includes a single speaker for
generating a clicking or other related sound. The single speaker,
which can be mounted to the main printed circuit board inside the
housing of the mouse 452, is tied to at least the jog ball 482, and
in some cases tied to the force sensing device 480. As should be
appreciated, the touch sensing devices 478 typically do not require
a click since a click is already provided by the main switch 476.
It should be pointed out however that in cases where a light touch
also produces an input (without the main switch activating) then a
click or other sound may be provided by the speaker. The speaker
may be configured to output the same clicking sound for each input
device, or alternatively the speaker may be configured to output
different sounds for each input device. For example, clicks,
clocks, and beeps may be used. The different sounds may be user
selectable.
During operation, the microcontroller 474 sends driving signals to
the speaker when the appropriate input is received from the input
devices, and the speaker outputs one or more sounds in response to
the driving signals. With buttons, a single click is typically
provided although a click my be provided at touchdown and a clock
may be provided on lift off. In some cases, the feedback may be
tied to the level of force being applied to the force sensing
device 480. For example, the clicking sound may be provided when a
certain force threshold is reached, or the volume or pitch of the
clicking sound may vary according to the level of force. With the
jog ball 482, clicks are continuously provided while the ball is
spinning. There is typically a click for each count, i.e., the
number of points that are measured in a given rotation (360
degrees). The rate of clicking sounds typically increases as the
rate of spinning increases, and decreases as the rate of spinning
decreases or slows down. Hence, the clicking sounds provide audio
feedback to the user as to the rate at which the ball is spun.
Additionally or alternatively, the mouse 452 may include a haptics
mechanism 486B. Haptics is the science of applying tactile
sensation and control to soft devices that do not include any
tactile feel. Haptics essentially allows a user to feel
information, i.e., controlled vibrations are sent through the
housing of the mouse in response to a user action. The haptics
mechanism 486B may include motors, vibrators, electromagnets, all
of which are capable of providing force feedback in the form of
controlled vibration or shaking. In the instant case, the haptics
mechanism 486B may be used to enhance the feel of actuating one of
the input devices of the mouse 452 including for example the jog
ball 482, force sensing device 480 or touch sensing device 478. By
way of example, the haptics mechanism 486B may be configured to
generate impulsed vibrations when a user touches the touch sensing
devices (soft or hard), presses against the force sensing devices
480 or spins the jog ball 482. This particular feature enhances the
user experience and makes the input devices feel more like
mechanical devices.
The haptics mechanism 486B may be centrally located or regionally
located across the mouse 452. If regionally located, the mouse 452
may include a haptics mechanism 486B at each of the input devices
so as to provide force feedback in the area of the user action. It
is generally believed that the closer the vibration is to the user
action, the greater the haptics effect. By way of example, the
mouse 452 may include a haptics mechanism underneath the housing in
the area of each the input devices.
In some cases, the audio and tactile feedback may be provided by
the same device. For example, a tactile click generator may be
used. The tactile click generator generally includes a solenoid
that causes a plunger to tap a rib inside the mouse housing. The
tap provides both a tactile feel in the form of vibration and a
tapping sound that is similar to a click.
Additionally or alternatively, the mouse 452 may include visual
feedback generators 486C configured to provide visual information
at the surface of the mouse 452. Like the feedback generators
described above, the visual feedback generators 486C may be
singular to the mouse 452 or regionally located at each input
device. By way of example, the visual feedback generators 486C may
be light devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), that are
illuminated when an event occurs as for example when a user touches
the touch sensing device (soft or hard), presses against the force
sensing devices 480 or spins the jog ball 482. The illumination may
be static or dynamic. If dynamic, the illumination may blink or
cycle with increasing or decreasing intensity, and in some cases
may even change colors in order to provide more detailed
information about the event that is being monitored. By way of
example, the illumination may be tied to the level of force being
applied to the force sensing devices 480.
The light devices may be conventional indicators that include a
small plastic insert, which is located in front of the LED, and
which is inserted within an opening in the mouse housing thus
causing it to exist at the surface of the mouse housing. The LED
itself may also be placed in the opening in the mouse housing
rather than using an insert. Alternatively, the light device may be
configured not to break the surface of the mouse housing. In this
configuration, the light source is disposed entirely inside the
mouse housing and is configured to illuminate a portion of the
mouse housing thereby causing the housing to change its appearance,
i.e., change its color. Examples of illuminated surfaces can be
found in U.S. patent Ser. Nos: 10/075,964, 10/773,897 and
10/075,520, which are all herein incorporated by reference.
Alternatively, the visual feedback generators 486C may be embodied
as electronic inks or other color changing surfaces.
In one embodiment, the mouse 452 provides visual feedback in the
area of touches as for example the left and right touch buttons,
and the two side force buttons when the touches occur. When a user
presses on the left touch button, the left side of the mouse in the
region of the touch surface changes color thereby alerting the user
that a left button event has been selected, and when a user presses
on the right touch button, the right side of the mouse in the
region of the touch surface changes color thereby alerting the user
that a right button event has been selected. The same
implementation can be made for the wings of the force buttons when
the they are pressed in by the user. In some cases, the wings may
even change shades of color based on the level of force being
applied at the wings during a squeeze event.
Each of the feedback generators may be used solely or in
combination with one other. For example, when used together, in
response to squeezing the force buttons on the side of the mouse,
the speaker 486A may provide audio feedback in the form of a click,
the haptics mechanism 486B may provide force feedback in the form
of vibration, and the visual feedback mechanism 486C may provide
visual stimuli in the form of light to alert a user that an input
has been made. Again, the feedback may be provided at some central
location or regionally at each of the force buttons.
Although the feedback systems have been primarily described as
devices that provide feedback in response to activation of the
input devices of the mouse, it should be noted that they also may
provide feedback in response to something that happens in the host
system. For example, during a scrolling event, the host system may
send a sound command to the mouse when the user has reached a
boundary such as a top or border of the content being viewed on the
display screen. The microcontroller sends a driving signal to the
speaker in response to the sound command, and the speaker generates
a sound in response to the driving signal. The sound informs the
user that they reached the border.
It should also be pointed out that the feedback may be provided by
the host system rather than the mouse. For example, the host system
may include a speaker that provides a click when the mouse buttons
are utilized or a display that can visually alert a user when the
mouse buttons are being utilized.
In one embodiment, program storage block 458 is configured to store
a mouse program for controlling information from the mouse 452.
Alternatively or additionally, a mouse program or some variation
thereof may be stored in the mouse 452 itself (e.g., Firmware). The
mouse program may contain tables for interpreting the signals
generated in the mouse. In one implementation, the tables may be
accessed by a user through a control menu that serve as a control
panel for reviewing and/or customizing the operation of the mouse,
i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently review the settings and
make changes thereto. Once changed, the modified settings will be
automatically saved and thereby employed to handle future mouse
processing. By way of example, the user may set the location of the
primary and secondary buttons for right or left handed use. The
user may set the meaning of left/right finger press to be a primary
button, a third button, or a simultaneous left and right button
activation. Additionally, the user may select between a one button
mouse and a multibutton mouse. If the single button mouse is
selected, the signals from the left and right sensors may be
ignored. If the multibutton mouse is selected, the signals from the
left and right sensors will be interpreted according to the
settings in the mouse program. One advantage of being able to
select the mouse type is that one mouse can be used by multiple
users with different preferences, i.e., user configurable.
FIG. 17 is a diagram a graphical user interface 650 (GUI), in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The GUI
650 represents the visual display panel for selecting which events
of a window management program such as Expose' are controlled by
which mouse buttons. Through the GUI 650, the user may quickly and
conveniently review the mouse settings associated with the window
management events and make changes thereto.
As shown, the GUI 650 includes a window frame 652 that defines a
window or field 654 having contents contained therein. The contents
include the various window management options 656, and mouse menus
658 for connecting the various mouse buttons to the window
management options 656. The mouse menus 658 contain all the button
possibilities including the hard press left and right buttons, the
jog ball button, and the squeeze button. The button menus may also
include light press left and right buttons, rotate left and right
jog ball buttons and/or left and right squeeze buttons depending on
how the mouse is configured. The buttons, when enabled, instructs
the host system to control the various expose functions when the
enabled mouse button is activated. For example, if the squeeze
button is enabled in the Desktop mouse menu, every time the squeeze
button is activated the Desktop feature is implemented, i.e., all
the open windows are moved to the screen edge. In some cases,
multiple buttons can be enabled for a single window management
function.
In some cases, the GUI 650 may additionally include a Dashboard
option 660 and mouse menus 662 for connecting one or more mouse
buttons to the Dashboard. Dashboard is a control panel that
includes customizable widgets (mini applications) that bring
information to the user instantly--weather forecasts, stock quotes,
yellow pages, airline flights, sport scores, etc. When the enabled
mouse button is activated, the Dashboard is brought into view, and
when the mouse button is deactivated, the Dashboard is removed from
view. The user is able to receive up to date and timely info from
the Internet with a click of a button, and then have it disappear
instantly when button is released.
FIG. 18 is an input control method 700, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The input control method may
for example be performed using the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2
and 3 or 7 and 8. The method 700 generally begins at block 702
where a touch is detected. The touch may for example be detected on
the left or right touch sensors or alternatively on both the left
and right touch sensors of the mouse. When a touch is detected, the
method 700 proceeds to block 704 where a determination is made as
to whether or not the touch is a light touch or a hard touch. A
light touch may be determined when the touch sensors are activated
but not the main switch. A hard touch may be determined when the
touch sensors are activated along with the main switch.
If it is determined that the touch is a light touch, the method 700
proceeds to block 706 where visual feedback is provided that alerts
the user to which button will be activated when the light touch is
changed to a hard touch. The visual feedback may be on the mouse
and/or on the display screen of the host system. For example, if
the user lightly places their finger on the right or secondary
button, the right button may change color via a feedback generator
and/or the display screen of the host system may provide a visual
clue in the form of an icon as for example a menu. In addition, if
the user lightly places their finger on the left or primary button,
the left button may change color via a feedback generator and/or
the display screen of the host system may provide a visual clue in
the form of an icon as for example an arrow.
If it is determined that the touch is a hard touch, the method 700
proceeds to block 708 where a button action is implemented. For
example, if the left button sensor is activated along with the main
switch, then a left button event is reported, and if the right
button sensor is activated along with the main switch, then a right
button event is reported.
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a unibody mouse 750, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
unibody mouse 750 includes a housing 752 that encloses internally
the various internal components of the mouse. Because the mouse is
a unibody mouse, the housing 752 includes a top member 754 and a
base 756.
As shown, the base 756 includes a pair of opposed pivots 758 that
receive pivot pins located within the inside surface of the top
member 754 thereby allowing the top member 754 to pivot about the
base 756. The base 756 also includes a pair of opposed flexible
wings 760. Although the wings 760 may be integrally connected to
the base 756, in the illustrated embodiment, the wings 760 are
attached or mounted onto the base 756. By way of example, the wings
760 may be snapped into mounting features on the base 756.
Alternatively, the wings 760 may be welded to the base 756. In
order to produce a continuous surface at the exterior of the mouse
750 when the mouse is assembled, the top member 754 includes a pair
of recesses 762 for receiving the upwardly extending wings 760. The
recesses 762 have an inner shape that coincides with the outer
shape of the wings 760.
Located within the top member 754 and base 756 is a printed circuit
board 764 that is mounted to the base 756. The printed circuit
board 764 contains the various control circuitry of the mouse 750
including integrated circuits such as the mouse microcontroller and
capacitive sensing circuitry. The printed circuit board 764 also
contains a switch 766 for detecting when the top member 754 is
pressed downward towards the base 756. The switch 766, which is
positioned on the front side of the mouse 750 opposite the pivot
may for example be a mechanical tact switch. The printed circuit
board 764 and/or the base 756 may also support an optical sensor
768 for tracking mouse movement. The optical sensor 768 generally
works through an opening in the base 756. The printed circuit board
and/or base may further support a structural unit 770 that contains
such items as capacitance force sensors 772 that are mounted on the
sides of a support bridge 774 in the location of the flexible wings
760. The structural unit 770 may also include a spring 775 that
helps bias and support the top member 754 in an upright position
relative to the base 756.
The mouse 750 additionally includes a jog ball device 776 that is
mounted to the inner surface of the top member 754 via a bracket
778. The bracket 778 may for example be screwed to the top member
754 so as to secure the jog ball device 776 in position relative to
a hole 780 in the top member 754. The hole 780 allows the ball 782
of the jog ball device 776 to protrude through the top surface of
the top member 754. The hole 780 is typically located in the front
center of the top member 754 so that the ball 782 may be easily
actuated by a finger when the hand is positioned on the mouse
750.
Although not shown, the mouse 750 further includes a pair of
capacitive sensors placed on the inner surface of the top member
754 on opposite sides of the jog ball device 776. Each of the
capacitive sensors may be one or more electrodes that are adhered
to the front inner surface of the top member 754.
The mouse 750 may further include a shroud or faring 786 that snaps
into the top member 754 around the edge of the base 756.
While this invention has been described in terms of several
preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and
equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For
example, the button determination/detection is not limited to the
use of capacitance sensors, other sensors or switches may be used.
For example a dome switch or membrane switch may be used in place
of capacitance sensors. In addition, force sensors may be used. In
any of these cases, the activation method remains unchanged, i.e.,
it requires the new device and the main switch to be activated for
a button down event to be sent to the host computer. It should also
be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the
methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore
intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as
including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as
fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *
References